A home away from home

Almost two years ago Hatters received the news that this city would join a distinguished short list of places with a Ronald McDonald House (RMDH).

In the spring of 2019 a donation of $800,000 from the Yuill Family Foundation covered the renovation costs of an older home on Fourth Street S.W near to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH).

The house was transformed to create a “new” 4,100 square foot home for those with sick children receiving medical care at MHRH.

Cassi Hider general manager in Medicine Hat for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMDHC) says the home began accepting people on Aug. 4. It has six private family suites, a communal kitchen, utility area, laundry room, living room and games room.

While some RMDH have a high percentage of children undergoing cancer treatment that is not the case locally. Hider says they are welcoming people connected with the NICU and parents with adolescents experiencing mental health issues.

The concept of a home away from home for families experiencing illness has touched the hearts of many including a local couple, Danny and Cindy Meier, who donated $250,000 to RMDHC.

About 40 years ago they were not as fortunate as they are today and understand the struggles of daily living and couples with children who may not be able to afford a hotel room while their child is in hospital.

Cindy remembers when their daughter was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of three and needed to spend time in hospital.

Brovac Mobile Vacuum Services also found a unique way to support RMDHC and to honour the founder of the business who passed away about a year ago. The company has an agreement with the charity to feature their logo on one of its hydrovac trucks. In return Brovac is donating a portion of the sales from that particular truck.

Sharlene Hertz, president of Brovac, says all of the staff were involved in finding a way to honour Brian Hertz, her late husband, who passed away in April 2019 from esophageal cancer.

Generally the drivers of the truck with the Ronald McDonald House logo on, mention to the customer that they are indirectly also supporting the charity.

Medicine Hat’s Ronald McDonald House is the fourth to be built in Alberta after Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

For more on the Ronald McDonald House and how to leave a lasting donation, visit https://rmhcalberta.org/ donate/